Attorney General Xavier Becerra Delivers Freedom of Information Act Request to U.S. EPA

SACRAMENTO – Today, Attorney General Xavier Becerra delivered a formal request to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for thirty-two categories of documents related to known conflicts of interest of EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt and any actions taken by EPA or the Administrator to comply with federal ethics laws.

Administrator Pruitt, until February 17, served as attorney and chief law enforcement officer for the State of Oklahoma in numerous lawsuits against EPA in which California is supporting EPA. He has taken legal and factual positions contrary to EPA on these matters in court filings, press statements, and congressional testimony.

“The public has a right to know whether Administrator Pruitt and EPA are complying with federal ethics laws,” said Attorney General Becerra. “Mr. Pruitt’s numerous conflicts of interest merit close examination now that he has taken a direct role in initiating reviews of numerous EPA regulations he sought to undo through litigation in his previous role.”

Administrator Pruitt has acknowledged the he will need to seek authorization to participate personally or substantially in some matters. The documents requested will shed light on whether he has done so, and whether any waivers that have been granted are sufficiently supported and comply with the law.

A copy of the Freedom of Information Act letter sent to EPA is attached to the electronic version of this release at oag.ca.gov/news.